A/N. *laughter erupts from Lara Volcano* BAHAHA! My gosh -you all are so funny. XD I love all your reviews! They were either really honest with the chapter, or really funny. I can't stop laughing at Cat's...lolol. XD Ah...

Anyways, sorry again for OOC Veronica. As you can see 2/3rds of this story has OOC characters, but for some reason, you all keep reading. XD

In an hour and a quarter (maybe less), I got +14 Reviews. MY GOD. And I can say that because I'm so happy. THANK YOOOOUUU! That's friggin epic. Like, Pucktastic... Lol...

Puck: It was only because of me that you got so many reviews, you lazily shabby writer. Face it -I'm hot chiz.

XD He'd totally say that. -^

Okay, big notice to those anonymous reviewers: Please review once every chapter. *stares down Cat, Warisha, and Red* You guys review 2-5 times every chapter. Really, I only need one. :3 And I don't think it's fair to the other authors who have like, no reviews. I can understand that you like/hate a chapter very much from just one review. But if FF accidentally sends the review before you finish writing it, then that's okay. It's just...I don't need 36 reviews from one person for one chapter. Asides that, I really am grateful that you've all gotten me to 316 or so reviews. At this rate. I might have 325 or less reviews before ch. 33 is posted...and that's really good. :D

Um, what else do I feel the need to blab about...

Oh my gosh! FIELD DAAY! It was epic...at first. I didn't like the middle, and end of the day much. At the beginning, we got to do this game called "Sponge Brigade" and I would soak up a sponge and pass it behind me, and the last person would squeeze it into the bucket until it was full. We lost. But it was so funny to see all my friends' angry looks when I soaked them with the sponge 'accidentally' lol. They dumped the on me and Casey. Lol, that was the only part I really liked about Field Day. Also, we got to each ice pops. Those were the only two I liked, really. :) Also tug-of-war. But nothing else, really. XD So tomorrow...Book Fair! YAY! XD

(Again -too many anon. reviews *stares at Cat, Red, and Warisha*, so I can't reply to all. But again, I appreciate them...even if some review too many times :D)

These next few chapters will be light. No Puck and Sabrina for awhile though. :3 I just thought you guys would like to read about them again. Not sure if there's going to be some big fluff between Daphne and MSeed (because MS stands for Multiple Sclerosis, and I don't imagine MSeed like that, his new abbreviation is MSeed. Get it? Like MC, but MSeed? Har har har), but there will be lots of funny moments...and you get to meet two wonderful little girls in the next chapter. ;D

Also:big round of applause for Warisha and Red for being the 300th reviewer(s)! Actually, Warisha was the 300th, but I felt bad for Red because she said she was, so both are. Again –one-shot or spoiler. Way I can give you a spoiler:

*If you have a Twitter, DeviantArt, Wattpad, or other networking site that I may also have an account on, I can tell you there. I'd say Facebook, but that's…weird. :3 Of course, if you want to, send me a message at 'Lara Dee', and identify if you're Red or Warisha. :D

Chapter 32: Ignorance –Both Blissful and Annoying

"I still can't believe you got lost at the beach," Wendell said, cracking up yet again. "I mean, how can you get lost at a beach?"

"You just can," I snapped, stabbing my fork into my mashed potatoes.

"I don't think she minded," Ariana added, a small smirk on her face. "After all, Mr. Firay was sent out to find her, and he was gone for awhile."

I kept my mouth shut, trying not to be angry with them. They didn't know what had actually happened, nor did I plan on telling them, so it wasn't their fault. But their comments were getting irritating.

"So, what, are you and Firay dating now?" Wendell asked, frowning. "If I ever see you two smooching I swear I'll be sick."

"We aren't together," I snapped, flushing. "And in this time period, we don't say 'smooching'."

"Oh, come on, Daphne," Ariana started with a smirk. "You guys were gone a really long time."

"Drop it," I snapped, growing more and more aggravated.

Ariana opened her mouth to continue to tease me, but the lunch bell cut her off. A smug smirk slipped onto my face as I stood up, grabbing my bottle of water, and mixed myself in among the gaggle of students leaving the cafeteria. I heard Ariana call after me, but I ignored her, hurrying out.

I nearly ran all the way to Home EC, stopping by my locker to quickly grab my backpack. Before entering, I took a few deep breaths to regain my breath. What would Mr. Firay say if I was first to class instead of last or close to last for once? A smirk appeared on my face and I entered the room.

To my pleasure the room was empty except for Mr. Firay who sat at his desk, looking at a piece of paper. When he heard me, he looked up. Shock flitted across his face before a smirk slowly appeared.

"Well, Ms. Grimm, congratulations on being first for once."

"Shocking, isn't it?" I asked, a smile on my face now.

Mr. Firay chuckled, before suddenly turning serious. "How are you feeling?"

"Um, fine," I responded, frowning at his sudden change of tone. "How's the cut on your arm?"

"Don't worry about it," he said, shaking his head. "How's your ankle?"

I clenched my fist lightly, glowering at Mr. Firay. "My ankle's fine, it was only a little twist. And don't say 'don't worry about it' because obviously I'm going to worry if you're hurt too! Especially since it's my fault, Mr. Firay!"

He looked surprised. "But, Daphne, I'm fine—"

"That doesn't matter!" I argued. "I worry for you just as much as you worry for me."

"Who said I worried for you?"

I stared at him, my face going blank. He wasn't worried? Embarrassment washed over me and I felt my face grow hot. Why should he be worried, right? It was only my foolishness that let me to believe that—

Mr. Firay's laughter interrupted my thoughts and I glared at him. He continued laughing for a few minutes, shaking his head. I tried to keep my mouth shut and wait for him to be done, but I lost my patience.

"What?" I snapped.

"I'm sorry," he apologized, clearing his throat. "I was kidding. I do worry about you."

I felt relief wash through me, and then embarrassment again. If he worried about me then…

"You're reactions are just too cute."

I blushed again and scowled at him. I was about to retort, when a different thought popped into my head. A frown spread across my face as I debated on how to ask the question that I wanted to. Mr. Firay now was frowning at my expression.

"I didn't mean to offend you," he started, raising an eyebrow. "I was just—"

"What did you mean by 'again'?"

Mr. Firay looked at me in confusion. "What?"

"At the beach," I told him, now chewing on my bottom lip. "Um, after you… you know, took care of those guys, your expression changed and you said something along the lines of 'happen again'."

Mr. Firay's face darkened and he narrowed his eyes. "I didn't say anything like that."

I looked at him in shock. Why was he denying it? I had heard him say it clearly! And I couldn't forget the face he made… just thinking of it made my heart beast faster.

There was no way he could deny what had happened.

"I heard you!" I accused, taking a step closer to his desk. "You said it right after—"

"Daphne," Mr. Firay snapped in a quiet voice, then looked behind me.

I narrowed my eyes slightly, but glanced over my shoulder to see Wendell and another student entering the classroom. Wendell must have noticed something weird about my expression because his brow wrinkled in concern.

"I'm not letting this drop," I said quietly, giving Mr. Firay a meaningful look before walking over to Wendell.

"What's up?" he asked in a concerned voice.

"Nothing," I responded moodily, slumping onto my seat, and hanging my arms over the desk. "Just the usual with Mr. Firay."

Wendell looked at me alarmed, bringing his head closer to mine. "Daphne, did something happen with the gang? Are you hurt? Do I need to go beat up Firay?"

I smiled at Wendell's concern, and shook my head. "Nothing like that, thank you for worrying though."

"You don't need to thank me for worrying," Wendell pointed out. "It comes with the best friend's package."

I chuckled and Wendell grinned. He took a seat on the edge of my desk and looked down at me with a curious expression. Then his eyes narrowed slightly and my eyes met his.

"What?"

"This," he said, putting a finger to my jaw. "How did you get cut on your jaw?"

My eyes widened and I inhaled sharply, quickly putting my hand over the cut. Crap! I had forgotten about that! He was just as observant as Sabrina! Wendell's eyes narrowed even more.

"Did Mr. Firay—"

"No!" I snapped, irritated he would even think that. "I cut myself shaving."

"Uh-huh. So tell me, Daphne, since when did you have a beard?"

I pursed my lips, scowling at him. "You don't need to have a beard to shave. I did it as a precaution."

Wendell gave me a sarcastic look. "Okay, but I'm sure you know after you shave it grows back darker."

"Well I'll just continue to shave from now on," I responded simply, shrugging my shoulders. "I mean, it's not that big of a deal. I can just do it while I'm shaving my—"

"Daphne."

Wendell's azure eyes pierced into my duller hazel eyes and I fidgeted in my seat, uncomfortable under his gaze. He wasn't going to make me crack. I could go against his intense gaze. Wendell's eyes slightly narrowed and I mimicked the gesture. He wasn't going to make me crack…

"I just got into a little trouble at the beach!" I blurted out. "Now stop looking at me like that!"

Wendell smirked smugly for a moment before returning to a serious expression. "What happened?"

The bell went off, signaling the beginning of class. Wendell frowned as I shooed him away with my hand.

"I'll tell you later."

"You better," Wendell threatened before walking to his seat in the back of the class.

I sighed, turning in my seat to face the front of the classroom when Mr. Firay called for attention. I kept my eyes on him as he went through the attendance list, looking up every now and then to make sure a student was here or not. For some reason, he skipped my name. I shrugged; he already knew I was here, so that was probably why.

"So, it's already November," he started after he finished the attendance list, "do you know what that means?"

"It's only been two months since school started and we still have eight months of hell to go through?" someone said from the back of the class.

I smirked as the class laughed. Mr. Firay smiled at the person.

"High school isn't that bad."

"Yes it is," the same kid responded. I was tempted to turn around and see who it was, but I decided against it.

"We'll be learning something different from what we usually do. I think it's…unique from other teachers," Mr. Firay said, his eyes sweeping across the classroom. "Any guesses as to what it is?"

His gaze went past mine, but our eyes did not come in contact. I frowned, somewhat bemused. Where were the usual teasing smirks he sent me? Was he trying to ignore me?

"An essay about exotic foods?" Red asked, her hand in the air. For some reason, she decided to come with me to school today. Of course, she sat with Tom and his other friends, ditching me.

Mr. Firay shook his head. "No, we won't write any essays in here. Those are boring for you to write, and even more boring for me to read."

Some people laughed, but I kept a straight face. What if he was ignoring me? What did I do? Was he angry… or what? I began drumming my fingers on my desk subconsciously.

"Book report on some type of food?" another girl guessed.

"Nope."

"An extremely long lab-thing?" Wendell guessed and I turned to grin at him. He caught my gaze and grinned back.

"No, but we'll be doing those in the future," Mr. Firay responded, amusement in his voice. "It's something better."

The class stayed silent. I slowly raised my hand. As soon as it high enough to count as a hand raise, Mr. Firay spoke.

"We're going to learn how to make a three course meal. Staring with crab cakes."

I scowled for a moment, dropping my arm as a few students mumbled to themselves. He was definitely ignoring me. My stomach tightened uncomfortably, but not because we were going to be working with crabs.

"We're going to be learning how to make crab cakes for three whole weeks?" a girl named Charlotte asked, her eyes wide. "Why so long?"

Mr. Firay chuckled, a smirk slipping on his face.

Sure, smirk at her, but no, you can't smirk at Daphne, I thought, narrowing my eyes at him. Immediately I stopped, lowering my eyes to my desk. What was wrong with me? I was getting jealous because he was smirking at someone? I groaned internally.

"It isn't a long time," Mr. Firay said to her. "Three weeks is just barely enough time. And crab cakes are only the main meal. We'll make the appetizer, the main dish, and the dessert. Also, we'll be making this all from scratch –meaning we'll be taking apart the crabs in order to start the actual cooking."

"I didn't bring any gloves," someone behind me pointed out.

"We'll only be doing the three-course on double lab days," Mr. Firay explained, the smirk on his face now replaced with a smile.

"Then what are we doing today?" the same student asked.

"Today you'll be coloring a skeleton of the crab, and doing the same for the muscles, and labeling them. Just so you'll be familiar when we –I guess the appropriate term is- dissect them."

A groan swept throughout the classroom. I nearly rolled my eyes. Coloring wasn't that bad. And the cook book Mr. Firay had given all of us probably talked about the crabs at some points in the book.

"Are we working by ourselves?"

Mr. Firay shook his head. "There aren't enough crabs –this is New York, so you'll work in pairs of two."

Immediately everyone turned his or her head to their partner candidate. I looked over my shoulder to see Wendell staring at me determinedly. He raised and eyebrow and I smiled and nodded. I didn't know why he was asking. We were always lab partners.

"Would anyone like to volunteer to pass out the labs?"

Before anyone else could begin to lift their arm in the air, mine was already there. Mr. Firay's eyes finally met mine. Neither of us smiled. I swear I saw him sigh, which only made my stomach squirm into an even more uncomfortable position.

"Okay, Ms. Grimm, why don't you go grab them out of the supply room?"

I stood up, keeping my eyes on his. He slowly started to frown, but didn't look it away. Something caught the edge of my foot and I stumbled forwards, slamming my hands down on the edge of my desk and my neighbor's desk. A few chuckles erupted from behind me, and I quickly pushed myself up, keeping my head down in embarrassment. Why was I so clumsy?

Without looking back I dragged myself to the supply room, my face hot.

When I entered I went to the copy machine to grab the lab papers. When I was about to leave the room, an idea hit me. Smirking, I placed the piles of paper on the far corner of the counter where the sink was.

"Mr. Firay?" I called, sticking my head out of the doorway. "The papers aren't in the copier."

Mr. Firay looked over at me, a small sigh slipping from his lips. I narrowed my eyes at him, offended, as he made his way towards me. I moved out of the way so he could enter the room.

"Are you ignoring me?" I accused in a whisper as soon as he was out of sight from the class.

He shot me an amused look before opening the copier and looking in it. "I'm not ignoring you."

"Then why haven't you looked at me?"

A smirk was now playing across Mr. Firay's features. I relaxed slightly from the sight of the familiar smile. A wry smile made its way onto my face. I was getting excited over a smirk. I must be going crazy.

"You've been watching me?"

"The whole time!" I told him, my lips pursed.

Mr. Firay's eyes widened for a fraction of a second. I crossed my arms and looked at the ground.

"Was it because I mentioned that thing you said at the beach?"

"No."

Mr. Firay's sudden cold tone made me look back up in shock. His eyes were

glazed over as he stared at me. I returned his look, my eyes wide.

"It is because of it!"

"No, it's not," Mr. Firay responded, his eyes scanning around the room.

"Where'd you put the labs?"

"I'm not trying to make you angry, Mr. Firay," I explained, biting my lip. "I just wanted to know—"

"Drop it, Daphne," Mr. Firay snapped at me, finally locating the pile of papers I moved. "This conversation is over."

"But Mr. Firay—"

"Over," he repeated firmly.

"But I just…" I trailed off upon seeing Mr. Firay's serious expression.

"This is none of your business," he said before brushing past me with the papers in hand.

I blinked, shocked and a little hurt by his words. Obviously it wasn't my business, but couldn't he tell I was just worried about him? He didn't have to be such a jerk about it! I scowled, clenching my fists as I trudged back out to the classroom. Mr. Firay was now passing out the labs.

Wendell caught my attention and he raised an eyebrow in amusement, mouthing something I didn't quite catch. Knowing it was probably something teasing, I just rolled my eyes at him before slumping back down into my desk.

If Mr. Firay thought I was going to let this go that easily he was wrong. Very, very wrong.

The rest of the day passed by in a flash. When the final bell rang, I quickly left my seventh period class and hurried towards Mr. Firay's classroom. The door was locked when I arrived. I knocked, frowning, and waited a moment. Still no one came to the door.

I sighed, turning around, crossing my arms, and leaning against it. If he wasn't going to come out right now, I would wait for him all night if I had to. I wanted to know. Even though it really wasn't my business. I was just being nosy… but the look on his face had even hurt me that night. Red would be all right –she had been invited over to someone's house for the day.

I glanced out the window in front of me and my eyes widened when I saw Mr. Firay walking down the sidewalk towards the faculty parking lot. I shoved myself from the wall and made a break for the exit, hoping to cut him off. I slipped out the side door and literally ran into him.

He stabled me, looking down with an expression torn between amusement and chary. I stared up at him resolutely, my mouth in a straight line.

"I want to talk about it."

"I don't," Mr. Firay said simply, a sigh escaping his lips. "Daphne, move."

"But, Mr. Firay," I started, stepping in his way when he tried to move around me. "You can't deny what your expression told me. It was so… horrible. It hurt."

Mr. Firay's eyes narrowed slightly. "Didn't I mention this was none of your business?"

"I know you did!" I responded, growing frustrated. "But if I haven't made it clear enough, I'm just worried about you!"

I blushed immediately, turning to look at the cement sidewalk. Why couldn't he see that? And if he couldn't see that I was worried about him, would he ever realize how I felt about him? I shook my head. That was a different Matter entirely.

"Listen, Daphne," Mr. Firay started, his voice being much softer. "I'm sorry for worrying you, but this is something I don't want to share."

"Why not?"

Mr. Firay smiled wryly. "Because I don't want you to think badly of me."

"I couldn't!" I responded almost immediately. "Okay, maybe I can, but not bad enough to make me view you any differently."

Mr. Firay shook his head. "No, Daphne. Sorry."

"But—"

Mr. Firay exhaled slowly, looking at the watch around his wrist. "I've got to go."

"Another date?" I asked dryly.

A small smirk appeared on Mr. Firay's face. "You're getting smarter every day."

"Who are you dating?" I asked, trying to keep the frown from my face. "Is she your girlfriend?"

For a moment I thought I saw a flash of the expression on Mr. Firay's face from the night before. It made my heart skip a beat, but before I could make sure, it was gone.

"Something like that," Mr. Firay told me, gently pushing me out of the way.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

Just then a familiar black car pulled up next to us, music blaring from the inside. The window rolled down and I stared down at the car in shock. Mr. Firay even stopped to glower into it.

"What are you doing here, Sage?"

Sage smirked up at Mr. Firay, then pointed at me with a slim finger. "I'm here to pick up Daphne."

"You are?" I responded, my eyes widening. "Why?"

"We're going on another date today," he told me simply. "C'mon, get in."

"Sage," Mr. Firay started, but I cut him off.

"Okay," I said, opening up the passenger door and sliding in. I closed it behind me, looking up at Mr. Firay. "See you."

"Daphne, wait," Mr. Firay started, but Sage rolled up the window, making his words incoherent.

"That's mean," I told Sage, an amused smile coming onto my face.

"He's mean," Sage responded before switching gears and heading out of the parking lot. "Or at least I believe he was being mean from the expression on your face."

"What expression?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"The expression of hurt and unrequited love."

I flushed, glaring at him. "There was no feeling of unrequited love."

Sage laughed. "You can't fool me. I'm the master of emotions."

"Seriously."

Sage tapped the steering wheel with one of his fingers. "But then again, it's not unrequited."

"Yes it is," I muttered, looking out the window.

Sage chuckled. "You're so pessimistic. If you knew Matt, you'd know he definitely cares more about you than other people."

"Probably because I'm caught up in his gang problem."

"You are really negative, you know that?"

"I can't help it," I told Sage, turning to look at him. "I hate to admit it, but I really don't know anything about Mr. Firay other than what you told me. He never tells me anything about himself. The only reason I know he cares about me in the least bit is because he admitted he worries about me."

Sage sighed, glancing at me quickly. "Daphne, you have to understand Matt's past is sort of difficult."

"I figured as much…"

"Then don't worry about him not telling you everything right now, okay? He will eventually, I promise."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive," Sage responded, a smile on his face. "And if he doesn't, I can beat him up for you."

I chuckled, brushing a stray hair from my face. "Sage, you never cease to make me feel better. It's amazing."

"Well thank you," he responded, winking at me. "Someone has to help support you in your journey to capture Matt's heart. And also bring you back

up when he brings you down unknowingly."

"I never said it was my goal to 'capture his heart'," I pointed out, but smiled nonetheless.

"Oh, but it is."

"So where are you taking me?" I asked, deciding for a topic change. "Home? To get ice cream?"

"Nope," Sage responded, popping his mouth on the P. "You know how I told you I have two little sisters?"

"Yeah…"

"Well, we are going to be babysitting them," Sage told me with a grin.

A/N. Yup, yup. These are the wonderful little girls I was talking about. XD Thanks again for the reviews -hopefully I update tomorrow before I start packing for Disney. :D

Oh, also, I want to thank all of you for making January one of my most successful months. My story stats:

United States: 4,760 Hits; 1,360 Visitors

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Ireland: 9; 7 (I'm getting lazy now. :D)

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India, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Brazil, Panama, and Zimbabwe: 1; 1

Oh, and FTFT alone has 103, 277 words, 3,765 Hits, and 818 visitors…

…

THAT'S EEEEPPPIIICCC!

So, to conclude, your six-day update comes in the last week of February! XD Be excited.

HOPE YOU HAD A WONDERFUL JANUARY 2012 AND I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL FEBRUARY!

~Lara